How to Build a Concrete Top Garden Table

Watch as I show you how to make a concrete top and timber base for a tall, bar type garden table.
Amazon links to the equipment used in this video...
► Quick Clamps: amzn.to/33qSuW3
► Dewalt Impact Driver: amzn.to/3tvYFmq
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill: amzn.to/2MiM71A
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@user-fy4xn7hh2p]

Famous last words of any man doing DIY - “I don’t think my wife is going to get too upset”

[@Lord-Panda2112]

Finally! A creative DIY KZbin channel that isn't from some god awful American! Really cool stuff. Thanks!

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much

[@The_man_himself_67]

I once searched for 'how to sharpen a chisel'. Found a video of a large American fellow feeding his chisels into a chisel sharpener. "That's how I do it" he said. Lol. But seriously, that is a bit harsh.....lots of them are Canadians 😄

[@harryinhuahin1272]

I expect you have no idea how racist this is... Or perhaps you don't care...

[@Googaliemoogalie]

American isn't a race. Lol but perhaps you didn't know that?​@@harryinhuahin1272

[@corytierney9318]

DIY projects crossed with a civil engineer, great combination! Loved the Roman techniques with the ratchets 😂 👏🏽

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@dwoodog]

Just goes to show preparation is 90% of the project. Rush it at the start and the finished product will show it. Nice job.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I do spend some time planning

[@crustyoldfart]

Nice job and pleasing result - as you would expect from the intelligent application of knowledge and TLC. A comment on tables in general and bar tops in particular. : my English background ensures that I am most comfortable standing up at the bar, with one foot on a foot rail. This suggests building a bar with the top at ELBOW HEIGHT. This will make the whole structure potentially top heavy unless some ballast is added below. The foot rail can be used as the basic carrier for some form of ballast. The elbow height I find something of a necessity these days : I am at present in my late 80's and find standing and bending at the same time to be a painful experience, and the elbow height really helps.

[@ericlomas5467]

mate, this is awesome. I really like how you proceed methodically with your projects and don't just "jump in and fix mistakes along the way" like so many other channels here. Nothing like someone who knows what he's doing!

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much

[@bigassasin21]

Im a little confused as to why you think the rebar going around the outside of the form will make the concrete stronger? Wouldnt it be better to have it say, going diagonally across the piece, to add rigidity?

[@emmetworkshop2829]

Great job Stuart. Your channel is right up there with the best. You're an excellent teacher on top of your proper diy skillset.

[@R-11034]

Another great video. I particularly liked your concrete vibrating method and Roman lifting ideas!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@markmahood2019]

Brilliant video. Literally the only bit I could do myself would be lifting the concrete at the end. Lol.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@ClaireRousseau]

It's really fun to see the 'Roman techniques' for moving the heavy table top - along with all your "Hi, I'm an engineer" little additions :)

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it

[@MrBuyerman]

Nice build. How did you attach the top to the frame? Or is it held there on its own weight?

[@guyemmott4009]

Was about to ask the same.. (for a friend of course)...🤔😉

[@skf957]

Same here...

[@staffordian]

and me 😁

[@interdiction2]

Same here. I know it's heavy but knowing my luck it would get pushed off-centre and then fall through the middle of the frame. Shame there aren't any brackets/fixings cast into the concrete.

[@captainbarnes923]

Always some b*gger asks the question I wanted to ask :)

[@BeYourOwnDoctor]

You are a natural at presenting. Found your content so inspiring. You should be on prime time TV. Many thanks Dr Jackson

[@samrix5793]

Great project! And love the references to civils as no other channel adds that element!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you - I can't get away from it!

[@samrix5793]

@@ProperDIY yeah I can imagine it's fairly 'built' in... I'll get my coat

[@mattbandura9015]

Awesome idea, even better execution. Impressive workmanship

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@johnfowler6085]

What a brilliant way to move the slab!

[@LeotsinidisN13]

hahaha i am bridge engineer working in the UK. When I you made the groove in the concrete i was stunned! I specify this all the time for new brisges and structures in general. Later you said that you are an engineer and things started to make sence to me. Nice project and thanks for sharing the video! best wishes

[@ProperDIY]

That was a mini version of the drip detail on the first bridge I worked on as a young engineer on the M4 in Wales

[@LeotsinidisN13]

​@@ProperDIY Explains a lot ! Drip details has been prooven a crucial detail especially with the weather in UK. The things you have to do early in your career usually are the things that you usually never forget:) I studied in Wales (back in 2005) and used to live in Pontypridd (I have driven the M4 many times) and now in Scotland. You having a civil/structural engineering background explains the reasons in a lot of things that you do to tackle your projects, that I now vigorously bingewatch! thanks again for your amazing content! Please keep them coming as they are a source of not only ideal reference points for DIY projects but also for motivation!

[@michaeldesouza4911]

Stuart, your videos are a pleasure to watch, so clear and you make things easy to understand, you my go to DIY’er ! Hope you have many enjoyable beers at the table ! Best wishes Michael.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much

[@stevenfromleicester2529]

Brilliant video Stu keep up the great content 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you - will do

[@paulp96275]

Great, flipping heavy is definitely a calm engineering phrase and not one I’ve come across on site 😂thanks for another cool project 👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@ProperDIY]

In 30 years of working for contractors it's not a word I have ever used before either however these days I have to be more KZbin friendly I think. I did actually record it with 3 different phases so I could decide later but my wife made it clear which one I should use!

[@TK42138]

This channel is good enough to be on mainstream TV. Bloody brilliant videos.

[@ProperDIY]

I'm glad you think so. At least on my own channel I have complete control over everything

[@simondalzell5635]

Superb Job. Thank You.

[@awantamta]

A great build. Well done

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@MrBernie101]

Hi Stuart, yet another excellent video project. Your background always shines through when it comes to planning and method, and yet watching some of your out takes, I know it doesn't always go right first time. I thought the use of an old sander to vibrator was pure genius. I started my working life as a painter & decorator with my Dad, and can attest to the "rain drip" on all wooden window & door cills. That I'd get a clip on the ear for not hitting them with my brush. Oh happy days. Kind Regards, Barnacle Bern. 👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Than you for your comments. Yes, always learning and no everything goes right!

[@andrewwilson8717]

Ive found in the past the excess silicon comes of really easily if you only let it go off for a few hours (just need to be carefull as the good edge you've made will still be soft, but the excess comes off great this way

[@ProperDIY]

I'll try that next time

[@trafficface]

I applaud your moving skills I'm going to need this

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@chumley24]

Got to say when i do some diy , your channel is my go to reference from now on, love it...

[@ProperDIY]

Wow, thanks

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Nice project, hope you enjoy using it. Cheers 😃👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. It was well used over the summer for many glasses of wine!

[@barrieevans6914]

Hi I really like to watch your videos ,, in fairness you explaine them very well ,and teach people like me to turn ,,,thank you Barrie Evan's

[@utilitarian]

A true engineer using what you know to improve your projects. I've loved concrete projects for a long time and dying to have a go soon

[@ProperDIY]

I'm glad you are enjoying them.

[@stephenknutson1343]

I like your techniques and humorous delivery, thank you.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you for watching

[@bartoncessna1]

A drinking table! Why didn't I think of that?!?? Great vid as usual. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you!

[@stevelarkin3285]

Cant see it blowing over in the wind nice build thank you 👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

I cant move it so I'm sure the wind won't!

[@HayzeeHayes]

That's a cracking table really well done. 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@justintemp]

Wow, love how calmly and planned your projects are. Shows it can be done. With the right approach and tools 😁

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@AccountantDoesDIY]

Great video. Loved the comment about the wife not getting upset with you using kitchen utensils. I have a habit of using one of those flat kitchen icing spreading knives for tapering jointing compound when doing plasterboard repairs. Drives the wife batty :-) But such a perfect tool for the job !

[@ProperDIY]

We have to use the best tool for the job and unfortunately sometimes that comes from the kitchen!

[@owenthomas6923]

Excellent video. We made our outdoor table using slate from a snooker table ( the ones without the pockets, didn't fancy losing my drinks!!!). We built legs from concrete blocks then dressed them with stones.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. That must have been solid!

[@michaeltester5187]

Ex camel 🤣 Lovely looking table, great project.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@terrytopliss9506]

Good video Stuart.👍👍

[@andybarbet73]

Lovely job on the table. I reckon you need to make your logo out of metal, heat it up and brand these bits of furniture 👍

[@accessfm]

Great video going to try this out I love how the engineer side of you comes out especially about the drip line underneath. Other channels wouldn't go into this much detail so fair dues! You do know with your subtle hint of not having an air compressor a lot of companies are going to be throwing them at you now!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I have no problem with accepting any free compressors however I'm still waiting. If I do get some, I will pass any spare onto you for being the first to recognise it!

[@michaelw4366]

Quickly becoming one of my favourite channels👌🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much

[@glynnepritchard2526]

For the edges of the silicon, tape up with masking tape before applying and rounding. Press through like you did with the ex-camel, leave and peel the next day. I did similar for a number of large post caps, worked well, bloody heavy to lift though :) I do enjoy your humour!

[@ProperDIY]

Good idea

[@michaelpeirce641]

Absolutely love it.

[@stephenmcgeown]

Another well-produced video sprinkled with humour and tons of useful information. I like how you intersect the worlds of civil engineering and DIY!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@DennisMathias]

Hey, I have an idea. You could just lay an extra panel on the bottom of the mold to make that drip edge. Also, since you were sanding the edges to form them when you first cracked the mold, could you just skip the caulk?

[@70ki70]

The caulk also prevent the cement and water to drip off the mold

[@s.g.r.2773]

Proper props from the US! Keep up the fun content!

[@ProperDIY]

Will do

[@LauritaLaliitaa]

Cool❤

[@lewisbrown51]

Absolute genius craftsman! Thanks for this video, another fantastic build, enjoy your drink!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks, will do!

[@andrewarcher880]

Use a sharp wood chisel held vertically and drag it like a scraper to remove the silicone, it comes off in one go.

[@The_man_himself_67]

Some great tips there. I was planning to replace our broken bird bath with something formed from concrete, but I may try something like this too. Thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

A perfect project

[@thatginettaguy1714]

Love this build

[@ProperDIY]

Good

[@johnmcconnell5930]

Good result, you could do an outdoor kitchen series using the same techniques.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you - I'm feeling tired all ready thinking about it

[@johnrich6928]

Great job, I'm surprised at how well the sander worked, I was wondering how you were going to get a vibrating poker in there.

[@ProperDIY]

One day I'm going to buy one and really go to town on it!

[@robertsmithshair4199]

your a brilliant teacher, love the precision.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@nicolestewart]

Really excellent ❤

[@karamathussain406]

Wow that was really nice and it looks good too.lots of hard work gone into it.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes I'm very pleased with it

[@AbidAli-xy2sz]

Simple yet effective

[@mrblender1970]

Great job 👏

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! 😃

[@mph1073]

Great video, loving the channel found the other day scrolling through all videos now 😀

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@davidking6172]

Great job looks the nuts

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@johnwalsh6844]

That is awesome !

[@jonbuggins5575]

Really wanted to concrete my breakfast bar, think it'll be well north of 200kg on PDs estimate, might need a tad reinforcing.. great vid though!

[@spatel3783]

sweet video! love all the tips, especially small things like measuring the quantity of ballast with the buckets

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@lawts78]

Thanks for this. The glass top blew off my garden table in this storm we've been having, gutted. This could be a solution to replace the table top with something stronger. What's the thinnest do you think I could get away with using this process?... as I'd prefer to not have it as thick as the on done here.

[@cheukinator]

Nice job

[@dwalsh3469]

An excellent video. Thank you. I would like to see a bit more of the joinery method that you used if you happen to be doing another project with similar legs at some stage.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I know - I had to cut things a bit tight as the video was very long to start with. I could make an hour long video just on the timber base - but people don't necessary want that level of detail. I'm am planning to be able to provide both

[@DerekTJ]

Really brilliant channel!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you kindly!

[@frankblack1481]

Fabulous project very well filmed. Thank you!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@Russ1007]

Another great video Stuart, your a class act 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you

[@lis819]

Super interesting! thanks for your efforts :)

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeremynorman1330]

Wish i had found this channel ages ago

[@peter.g6618]

Hi, excellent build. Love the black concrete look. Brilliant job. 👍👌

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Yes the black came out better than I thought

[@joneades2493]

Would be good to do a “how to hang an internal door”!

[@ProperDIY]

Funny you should ask that - already filmed - out soon - just for you!

[@user-fb3pu3qx3t]

Imagine having a man like this around the house #goals

[@iant535]

Really good that - just thinking about the drip bead around the underside could you place a dowel / profile into the cement to form it - saves the grinding -

[@ProperDIY]

I did about doing that but as the concrete contained quite large aggregate, it was quite difficult to push anything into it and easier to float off flat without anything in the way so decided to cut it after

[@ScottishPaul45]

What a cracking result! Content and production quality is amazing nevermind for a new channel!

[@ProperDIY]

Much appreciated!

[@typhoontim125]

Lovely job...really solid table!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it!

[@bill8784]

Great fun to watch your pieces; and as others have said so well organised and clearly presented.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@RogerHolden]

Wow. That's really cool. I dread to think how much something like that would cost in a garden centre!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. That's what my wife said!

[@scottmodha2195]

Another quality video, and a great looking table! - Loved the calculation on the top = "flippin heavy" :-)

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@grantherbertson8566]

Quick question - did you fix the top to the table or just use gravity? Thanks very much, I really enjoy your videos 👍

[@somewhereelse3813]

Good job and lots of tips here. Really enjoying your vids and genuinely look forward to them

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you Somewhere Else - I can always rely on you!

[@susanvasquez3625]

If you do something like this again... If you wax the melamine before doing the silicone, the silicone will still stay in the corners well enough, as long as you don't pull at it, but the excess will peel off nicely.

[@StephenBoyd21]

Looks like a beauty.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@robertreid7221]

Hi Stuart, have just found this channel and I've been binge watching on and off all, day and what a cracking site it is. I've learned so much, but please for goodness sake put a screw in the head of that yard brush will you. Peace and love ✌❤ Bob

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you so much for your comments. Once I've completed all the jobs around the house and I'm looking for ideas for video I'll fix the yard brush!

[@hyland1984]

Great build. Wasn't planning on making a concrete table. Hmmm...🤔🤔🤔. The longevity of the concrete table out beats a wooden one. Will it keep my old lady happy. 🤣🤣🤣

[@ProperDIY]

I hope so

[@nigelstewart9982]

Roman techniques! That's such a flex. Could get get some help, right? Oh right, not tricky enough!

[@ProperDIY]

No, I just don't think my wife would be able to lift enough of this to help me. I always work on my own - see my other videos!

[@kevinfisher7142]

Well done, looks great.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it!

[@adamlawonphotography5219]

Brilliant video, well put together I really enjoyed this. Great instructions and idea.... fab Stuart

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kenbro2801]

Excellent build mate 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it

[@robfryer9962]

Great work will be trying that myself very soon 👍🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Good luck

[@simondavies5411]

Bravo nicely done mate 👏 👍 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@chrisdowning7543]

I loved all your videos. This one was so interesting! It would be really good to meet for a beer. I have no idea where you are from. I'm 12 miles north of Cambridge. I'm learning so much from your informative videos.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. I would love to but I'm really too busy making things for the house and KZbin to get out these days. You'll have to just keep watching!

[@pauli6570]

Top notch work mate👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@billyjay4672]

Nice one

[@GodzillazzZ]

nice great work

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@azza1793]

I think i would have cast a few wooden blocks into the concrete mould for fixing the frame to the concrete top

[@Garstonk]

Great stuff. Most enjoyable.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@karlstevens7062]

Great video, if anybody might struggle to find a similar tool for smoothing the silicone then search 'cake making tools' they have a huge array ball bearings stuck on the end of a stick and are cheap.

[@ProperDIY]

Good idea

[@The_man_himself_67]

I use lollipop sticks. You can form any shape you want, and with kids in my house, are in plentiful supply.